New study shows consumption of fish and shellfish decreases chances of developing macular degeneration

  Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness amongst whites in the United States affecting 1.75 million people.  Unfortunately this number is expected to rise another 50% over the next ten years to 2.95 million cases.  The good news is that over the past several years new dramatic treatments have been developed for both the treatment of dry and wet type macular degeneration.  This comes in the form of injectable medications for the wet, exudative type of macular degeneration and vitamins containing large doses of antioxidant vitamins for the dry type.  Going along with the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure a new study called the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) Study has shown that in the elderly population on Maryland's east shore,  the consumption of fish and shelllfish significantly decreased the chance of developing macular degeneration, especially in the wet type type.  These findings have been corroborated by similar studies.  Fish with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon and tuna probably offer greater protection.  Shellfish have high quantities of zinc that also are thought to be beneficial.

At North Shore Eye Care our board certified ophthalmologists will be happy to discuss this and all your eye care needs.